Lily

Looking for towns as home base that are big enough that we'd find some activity at night i.e. some shopping, restaurants,cafes.Options are San Gimignano,Siena, Pienza, Montalcino,San Quirico d'Orcia,Montepulciano.I was thinking only the first 2 fit the bill.Anyone know if others are "open" at night as well.Since our days will be short (going in late fall) want to max time in evening. Thanks.

A Tuscan

Siena being the largest of the towns that you mentioned has plenty of activity specially now that we are getting closer to the Palio, in S.Gimignano you will only see tourists while the others you mention are dead not having more than a couple thousand inhabitants

Nutella

I stayed in Montepulciano in September and it was a ghost town at night. Only a couple of restaurants were open, otherwise the town was deserted.

zootsi

We stayed in Siena and Montepulciano about a month ago, and very much enjoyed both of them. Siena is actually a fairly large city, and was quite lively at night, even though it was a bit cool and drizzly. Montepulciano on the other hand, is much smaller, and fairly quiet in the evening. There were a handful of interesting tratorias that were open late, but not much else.

teejay

Agree that Siena and San G are your best options. I love both towns, but actually prefer San Gimignano at night. Once the tour buses are gone for the day, it's a fun town to explore. My favorite thing about Siena is hanging it the wonderful Piazza del Campo during the day and people watching.<BR><BR>We're spending a few nights in San Gimignano in June and have a room with a balcony reserved at La Cisterna (drinking wine on the terrace) and a couple good restaurant reservations (Dorando and La Mangiatoa - favorite from last trip). During the day we're doing the Chianti, Pienza, Monterregioni (Il Pozzo Ristorante), Montalcino, etc. Can't go wrong with either town, San G. is just my personal favorite.

Mariarosa

Siena is great at night - a lot of people are hanging out in the Campo. The Sienese do the passagiatta (sp?), the walk before dinner time around town while chatting with friends and family. A very lively and atmospheric town with many restaurant choices.

Marilyn

Because Siena is a college town they also have many activities at night. When we stayed there they had a big screen TV set up in the Campo with hundreds of people cheering the soccer players. M.

Lily

Your response has helped me immensely. Thanks.